Brian Tisdall, who graduated last year, proved he could still play. He had an assortment of moves on the inside and some outside skills.

The main focus was on Becky Hammon, a Rapid City Stevens graduate (she played at Christian one year), who is now playing for the New York Liberty in the WNBA.

Hammon was her usual self, spotting up for a three-pointer, dribble-driving to the basket or dishing the ball off to an open teammate. She had numerous assists, but the main problem was that her teammates weren't always ready to "finish" the play.

The final score, something like 103-100 in favor of the alumni, didn't mean much because when the varsity fell 17 points behind they mysteriously were getting three points for every two-point goal.

Hammon, a four-time Western Athletic Conference all-conference player and a first-team All-America pick, and the rest of the players participated in the game for the sole purpose of fund-raising for eight Christian students and two teachers who will be going on a mission's trip to Zambia in Africa.

Hammon put an exclamation point in the final seconds of the second period when she drained a three-pointer, much to the delight of the fans.

During halftime, Hammon memorabilia, such as rookie cards, game jerseys, a practice jersey, autographed basketballs and Liberty backpacks, were auctioned off. While the auction was going on, Hammon spent her time at courtside signing autographs for children and adults alike. The autographing continued after the game.

One young fan wanted a jersey that Hammon had used in a game, so Becky quickly went to the locker room, switched jerseys and wore the other during the second half.

Several of the auctioned items went in the $200-plus range, which was good news for the Zambia team.

The long halftime festivities also featured a half-court shot for $100. When the final contestant turned out to be a young girl, Hammon volunteered to take the shot. Of course, as if it was scripted, she promptly drained it, again to the fans' enjoyment.

Even referees Dave Dolan and Larry Stevens, who volunteered their time, got "into the game" in the second half.

At one stage of the game, Stevens was seen standing at one end of the court eating popcorn provided by a fan, while Dolan was "officiating" at the other end. Dolan retaliated by taking a quick "rest" in the stands.

When Hammon was stripped of the ball, a foul for "illegal stealing" was called on the varsity player.

During one wild scramble on the floor, Dolan called "first-and-ten" and Stevens then "hiked" the ball between his legs to the waiting Dolan.

Stevens was actually "guarding" players during one brief stretch and the varsity team was apt to have as many as six or seven players on the floor at the same time late in the game. It reminded you of a line change in a hockey game.

Hammon, who was matched up against varsity standout Danny DeLange much of the night, also kept him in check one time by dragging him by the jersey towards the other end of the court.

DeLange had several NBA-range three-pointers and had some assists that would make John Stockton envious.

Hammon flip-flopped between teams late in the game, depending on which team was on offense. She only left the floor one time and that was brief.

Public address announced Ron Gapp warmed up with his running commentary as the game progressed.

When there seemed to be a lack of whistle blowing by the refs, Gapp announced, "Those are whistles for the deaf!"

When his son Jimmy missed a free throw, Gapp said, "There goes your allowance for next week!"

Jimmy, who also exhibited his basketball skills, had a quick comeback, but it was lost in the crowd noise.

It was obvious that some of the alumni players were a bit heavy, but alumni coach Marty Hammon (Becky's father) used waves of substitutions to counteract tiredness.

Three Christian faculty members -- including the "Wild Thing" (you had to see him to believe him) also "helped out" by fanning the alumni players during timeouts.

All in all, it was an entertaining evening, which would have been even better with a larger crowd.

Contact Toland at 394-8430 or at roger.toland@rapidcityjournal.com.